In the buildup to the last New York Giants game of the preseason, Odell Beckham Jr. managed to steal the show by securing a new contract with the highest ever guarantee for an NFL receiver. It’s a historic deal that many believed wouldn’t happen, especially when trade rumors started circulating earlier in the year. But Beckham has not only stayed on the roster, but has been extended for another five years.

What was the thought process of the Giants front office, before the deal was made? Well, according to John Mara, they knew the entire time what the outcome would be. “We knew we would sign him at some point. The only question was: Was it going to be this year or were we going to give him another year to prove himself?”

It turns out Beckham didn’t need that extra year to prove that he deserves the new deal. It seems that his training camp performance, on and off the field, was enough to win over management. “His energy level has been off the roof. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. We feel good about having him on our team for the next five years,” Mara continued.

It looks like the second week of the preseason is when the front office staff were finally sold on the idea of extending Beckham’s contract. “When he went out to Detroit and took part in those practices and was full speed and looked great, he was ready to go and we were satisfied that he was healthy and had the right attitude.”

In Beckham’s last full season, he registered 1,367 yards and an average of 13.5 yards per catch. He also had 10 touchdowns, and has had double-digit touchdowns in every year except for 2017, when he was injured midway through the season. Last season, he managed three touchdowns before his injury put him out for the rest of the year. It’s a decent total considering that Beckham only started two games and played in four total.

Of course, after receiving the big extension, Beckham will be expected to put up bigger stats than he has in any of his past years. His chances to prove himself again will come as soon as September 9th and week one of the regular season, when the Giants take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.